Jose Miguel Gomez

Jose Miguel Gomez (6 July 1858-13 June 1921) was President of Cuba from 28 January 1909 to 20 May 1913, succeeding Tomas Estrada Palma and preceding Mario Garcia Menocal.

Biography
Jose Miguel Gomez was born in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba in 1858, and he went on to govern Santa Clara and became quite popular. He became a leader of the rebels during the Cuban War of Independence, and, in 1905, he planned to run for the presidency with Alfredo Zayas on behalf of the Liberal Party of Cuba. However, Gomez dropped out of the election due to political violence, and Gomez and Zayas won the 1908 presidential election as the Liberal candidates. Gomez was viewed as a kind president by the people, and he was very popular; however, corruption bloomed under his presidency and several major scandals occurred. The government also began funding newspapers, influencing them towards pro-government positions. He died in New York City, New York in 1921.